The Latest: ‘Day of Remembrance’ for California mudslides

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The Latest on the devastating mudslides in Montecito, California (all times local):

3:48 p.m.

California Gov. Jerry Brown has declared a “Day of Remembrance” for the victims of the deadly Montecito mudslides.

The governor ordered Capitol flags to be flown at half-staff Monday.

In addition to the 21 known dead, Brown says the two who remain missing should also be remembered along with survivors who may need help “in rebuilding their lives and spirits.”

Montecito was hit by debris-laden flash floods on Jan. 9 when downpours from a storm hit mountain slopes burned bare by the huge Thomas wildfire. Hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed.

10:15 a.m.

Authorities say they hope to start allowing residents to return Jan. 31 to Southern California neighborhoods devastated by mudslides — if they can get most utilities restored by then.

Officials said Sunday that it will be a gradual process getting residents back into homes in Montecito, where 21 people were killed during flash floods Jan. 9. A 17-year-old boy and 2-year-old girl remain missing.

The coastal town’s narrow streets are clogged with bulldozers and utility trucks as crews remove mud and boulders and rebuild drainage pipes and power lines.

Robert Lewin, director of Santa Barbara County’s office of emergency management, said it may be into February before natural gas service is restored.

The U.S. 101 freeway reopened Sunday after a nearly two-week closure caused by the mudslides.

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